Aberdeen City Council Domestic Abuse Council Housing Policy 2021
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Aberdeen City Council
Domestic Abuse
Council Housing Policy 2021Document Control
Approval Date 11th March 2021
Implementation Date TBA
Policy Number TBA
Policy Author(s) and Owner Lucy McNicol/Kevin Kelly - Derek McGowan
Approval Authority Operational Delivery Committee
Scheduled Review 12 Months after Committee approval
Changes TBA
Page 1Table of Contents
1.Purpose Statement
2. Application and Scope
3.Responsibilities
4.Supporting Procedures
5.Policy Statement
6.Definitions
7.Risk
8.Policy Performance
9.Design and Delivery
10.Housekeeping and Maintenance
11.Communication and Distribution
12.Information Management
Appendix 1. Legal Framework
Appendix 2. Useful contact details
Page 21 Purpose Statement
1.1 The purpose of this document is to set out Aberdeen City Council’s housing policy with
regards to dealing with incidents of Domestic Abuse perpetrated in all its forms and
extending to current and prospective tenants of Aberdeen City Council. It outlines the
framework of principles for addressing domestic abuse. This is a key policy to reflect
the aims of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 that came into force in April 2019.
This Act makes domestic abuse involving a partner or ex-partner, whether physical or
emotional or coercive control a criminal offence. This policy will reflect the aims of
Aberdeen’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) as well as Aberdeen’s Violence
Against Women Partnership action plan and strategy. The introduction of this policy
will help provide support to those experiencing Domestic Abuse, help to reduce the
risk of harm and to provide safe accommodation.
1.2 In 2018/2019, 272 persons presented as homeless in Aberdeen due to some form of
domestic abuse. While statistically most of those homeless presentations are by
females, it is important to recognise that domestic abuse can happen in a range of
relationships, including LGBT. Primary prevention of Domestic Abuse is a key focus of
this policy by engaging in wider awareness training, education, challenging attitudes,
and action to promote gender equality. It is also important to outline actions taken
against perpetrators and to understand their housing needs should they agree to be
rehoused. These measures provide an alternative to disrupting families, allowing them
to stay in their own home, preventing homelessness whilst the police and courts take
appropriate action against the perpetrator in line with National Safe and Together
principles.
1.3 The operation of this policy will always be in accordance with Aberdeen City Council’s
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. A full Integrated Impact Assessment has been
completed to ensure proper consideration of the impact of the policy on protected
groups.
2 Application and Scope Statement
2.1 This Domestic Abuse Policy is intended to include all applicants for housing, current
tenants, service users and non-tenants living with Aberdeen City Council tenants. The
principles of this Policy are incorporated into several organisational procedures, for
example, Housing Management, Homeless, Housing Allocations, Anti-Social Behaviour
and Repairs and Maintenance. This ensures that we address any form of domestic
abuse as part of our mainstream services.
Page 33 Ownership and Responsibility for this policy
3.1 The Chief Officer Early Intervention and Community Empowerment is the owner of
this policy and is accountable for discharging it effectively across all Housing services,
ensuring compliance.
3.2 Responsibility for managing the policy lies with the Chief Officer Early Intervention
and Community Empowerment.
3.3 Any instances of non-compliance with the policy should be reported to the Housing
Access and Support Manager and / or the Communities and Housing Area Manager in
the first instance.
3.4 Feedback on the operation of the policy should be communicated to the Chief Officer
Early Intervention and Community Empowerment.
4 Supporting Procedures & Documentation
4.1 Supporting processes, procedures and guidance have been drafted to support
adherence to the policy.
4.2 Supporting processes, procedures and guidance will be provided through the
Northgate housing management system and where appropriate on our web pages.
4.3 The following are references and links to related policies:
Allocation Policy
Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
GIRFEC
5 Policy Statements
5.1 Equally Safe: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against
women and girls has defined domestic abuse as:
“Domestic abuse (as gender-based abuse), can be perpetrated by partners or ex-
partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range
of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate those experiencing
domestic abuse and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and
emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and
other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family or friends)”
Page 45.2 Principles
This section describes the key policy principles that regulate organisational services in
relation to domestic abuse within council housing in Aberdeen City.
5.3 Law and Guidance
We will promote good practice when addressing domestic abuse experienced by our
tenants as informed by Domestic Abuse: A Good Practice Guide for Social Landlords.
We will, where possible, endeavour to change the attitudes, behaviours and structures
that underpin domestic abuse among housing staff, tenants, and the wider community,
and provide meaningful advice and information to those experiencing domestic abuse.
See appendix 1 for our legal framework.
5.4 Information and Advice
We will provide clear information and advice to persons who approach us due to
domestic abuse about their rights. We will work in partnership with other
organisations to achieve this objective. The provision of clear detailed advice in
different formats is a vital element in helping to direct those experiencing domestic
abuse to agencies who can provide support.
We will provide detailed information both in print and digitally, on the help
available, such as housing, financial, substance misuse and family support and
using social media to raise awareness amongst staff and tenants.
We will use all means to publicise our policy across our estate and encourage
those experiencing domestic abuse to disclose incidents of domestic abuse to
whomever they feel comfortable disclosing to.
Information will be available in various formats such different languages; font
sizes and braille and we will also provide tenants with interpreting services.
Through training and communications, we will raise awareness amongst staff
and tenants, as well as the broader community.
We will provide information on 3rd Sector organisations which can provide
help and support.
We will make clear in a statement to tenants and the wider community that
domestic abuse is not acceptable or tolerated.
Page 55.5 Prevention and Early Intervention
We will, through collaboration with the Aberdeen Violence Against Women
Partnership, endeavour to change the attitudes, behaviours and structures that
underpin domestic abuse by raising awareness and promote a pro-active partnership
approach. It is a key element of this policy that we focus on the prevention actions we
can take to avoid actions which may inadvertently increase risk for those experiencing
domestic abuse.
We will, where possible, attempt to identify those fleeing/experiencing
domestic abuse before a tenancy begins and ask about any history of
domestic abuse at pre allocation stage. If a history is disclosed, we will
consider additional safety and security measures within the property.
We will encourage and support all staff including maintenance, support, and
carers to report any concerns they may have to the housing teams.
We will ensure that staff are aware of the national Respect helpline (a free
confidential helpline for those who want to seek support because they have
concerns about their own behaviour).
We will, in all cases of domestic abuse, provide advice and support to tenants
of their rights, signpost them to specialist support services and advise that
they can be supported to contact Police Scotland should they want to.
As a member of Aberdeen VAW Partnership, we will work collaboratively with
other housing providers and organisations including community planning
partners, to adopt a joined-up approach to develop effective local strategies
and activities to prevent and alleviate domestic abuse.
We will enable tenants to report domestic abuse to us in ways suitable to
them, including in person, in writing, by telephone, email, customer app or
through a third party. Examples of third parties are police officer an
Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDAA) and/or specialist domestic
abuse service.
We will ensure that tenants experiencing domestic abuse know that
they can meet staff in confidence at our offices, or at an agreed choice
of safe venue. Meetings can be arranged in locations that are accessible
to the person’s needs. Where possible, staff should identify how and
when it is safe to contact.
We will work in partnership with other Aberdeen City Council services, other
local authorities and third sector organisations to ensure protocols are in place
to support those experiencing domestic abuse.
Page 6 We will ensure that, if children, young people and or vulnerable adults are
affected by domestic abuse, they can access services as early as possible thus
meeting Aberdeen City Council’s Child Protection Policy and Adult Protection
Guidance.
We will work with relevant services to ensure that, children and young people
affected by domestic abuse have their needs identified and addressed, their
views are listened to and they are involved in decision making. This reflects
Aberdeen City Council’s commitment to Getting it right for every child
(GIRFEC).
5.6 Staff Training
We will provide staff training, via a specialist service, on how to recognise the early
signs of domestic abuse incidents and how to sign post to provide the most appropriate
help. It is vital that staff are trained appropriately depending on their role within the
organisation. All frontline staff who have contact with tenants will have domestic abuse
awareness training to identify any signs that abuse maybe taking place.
All staff who have any contact with tenants including Repairs and Maintenance,
Senior Personal Carers and support staff will be equipped to identify the early
signs of domestic abuse, be trained in how to respond to disclosures of domestic
abuse and be in a position to report such concerns.
All staff will be encouraged to familiarise themselves with the council’s Guidance
for Frontline Staff which details how to support those who are currently
experiencing domestic abuse.
Front line housing staff will undergo appropriate training so they can provide
helpful advice and manage the housing options of those experiencing domestic
abuse which will include the following:
• How to recognise when domestic abuse/ coercive control might be
occurring.
• How to deal with abuse effectively with disclosures of domestic abuse.
• Responding to children and young people who are experiencing
domestic abuse in the family home or in their own relationships.
• Providing information and advice, for example, about the remedies
available for addressing abuse.
• Signposting those experiencing domestic abuse to relevant domestic
abuse services for further support.
• Recording relevant information and data about reported incidents/
situations.
Page 7Such Training will be embedded in our induction program and future refresher
training will be available.
5.7 Collaboration
We will work alongside relevant third sector partner agencies and statutory services to
ensure that those experiencing domestic abuse of domestic abuse receive consistent
and effective support.
We will continue to have a representative from Housing that will sit on multi-agency
meetings such as Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) to ensure that
relevant information is shared between partners.
Housing’s responsibility within the MARAC is to provide relevant information in relation
to the housing situation of the person who is experiencing domestic abuse, perpetrator
or any other individual deemed relevant within the referral. The representative for
housing should give an informed opinion about actions that housing can take to
mitigate the risk to the person experiencing domestic abuse.
The MARAC will agree as a collective what actions each agency within the groups is
responsible for. The representative has the responsibility of progressing any actions
and updating the chair of the MARAC with outcomes for each of the actions assigned
to housing. Typical actions include liaising with housing staff to ensure that discretions
are progressed timeously and any urgent repairs to ensure the safety of an individual
are raised. The representative also has a responsibility of ensuring up to date record
keeping of all referrals sent to MARAC.
5.8 Equality and diversity
We acknowledge that some those experiencing domestic abuse will face additional
difficulties in recovering from domestic abuse, due to intersecting factors like
disability, BME identities; mental health; addictions etc. We will endeavour to
signpost people to relevant supports.
5.9 Approach and Method
This section describes the key practices that we implement to address the impact
of domestic abuse in relation to how it impacts users of our service.
We apply a diverse range of interventions based on a detailed risk assessment,
considering all possible options available to the individual.
Many of the actions are embedded within other policies such as:
Page 8 Allocations.
Antisocial Behavior Strategy.
Estate Management.
Harassment (equality and diversity); and
Repairs and Maintenance.
5.10 Responding To Incidents
On receiving a report from any tenant experiencing domestic abuse, we offer a
personal discussion within a reasonable time scale. If possible, this will be within
twenty-four hours.
Whenever this is not possible due to a weekend or bank holiday, we will:
Refer the person to a relevant support agency; or
Contact her/him/them on the next available working day.
We will provide telephone interviews, on request. If possible, we will offer preferred
sex interviews, on initial contact, as well as taking account of other preferences.
Where support is required, to aid communication for example, translation services
will be provided.
If a report of domestic abuse is received through a third party, for instance, Police
Scotland, then we will:
Seek to establish what details have been taken.
Identify what support has been provided; and
Clarify what action is expected from us.
We will ensure that interviews take place in confidential settings and that staff
who conduct such interviews have received appropriate training.
After training our staff should know it is important to:
Empathise with people experiencing harassment.
Listen attentively and objectively to the details of each case; and
Assess critically all possible options, interventions, and safety measures.
Agree an action plan with all parties concerned, monitor the situation and
review at a frequency agreed with them.
Page 95.11 Housing Options
Those experiencing domestic abuse of domestic abuse will be provided with detailed
housing option advice including options for staying in their current home with
additional safety measures. We will also make referrals to other housing providers
including councils should this be at the person experiencing domestic abuse’s wish.
Where applicable Aberdeen City Council will use its “Cannot return home procedure’
which provides temporary accommodation. This is a managed process to re-house the
person experiencing domestic abuse at the earliest possible time. When we receive a
report from a tenant experiencing domestic abuse: -
We will offer a personal or telephone interview at a location suitable to the
person experiencing domestic abuse. If possible, this will be within twenty-
four hours. If this is not possible due to a weekend or bank holiday, we provide
information on relevant support agencies and will make contact on the next
available working day.
Where there is a risk to safety there will be access to emergency temporary
accommodation.
We will ensure priority transfers to secure permanent accommodation as
early as possible.
We will collaborate with other housing providers to maximise re housing
opportunities.
We will support those experiencing domestic abuse of domestic abuse to
transfer tenancies into their names.
5.12 Action Against Perpetrator
We will consider the following actions against the perpetrator where appropriate:
We will look to offer alternative accommodation to perpetrators who are willing to
move on a voluntary basis if they are engaging with housing staff.
We will look to convert the Scottish secure tenancy of the perpetrator to a short
Scottish secure tenancy where there is a conviction committed in or around the
tenancy that the perpetrator remains a tenant of. Furthermore, we shall consider
remedies against the perpetrator based on their antisocial behaviour and the
associated legislation.
We will, in exceptional circumstances, raise an action to seek possession of the
tenancy against perpetrators where there is sufficient evidence of a relevant ground
for repossession.
Page 105.13 Supporting Those experiencing domestic abuse of Domestic Abuse During a
Pandemic
The coronavirus outbreak brought new challenges and increased risk for people living
through domestic abuse. The Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint guidance
highlights that support should continue to be made available throughout lockdown
restrictions. Aberdeen City Council is committed to ensuring that those experiencing
domestic abuse of domestic abuse can access safe accommodation with support during
a pandemic emergency.
We will map out clear routes for emergency support for those wanting to leave an
abusive setting which are tailored to the current circumstances.
We will endeavour to provide the safest accommodation possible for people
requiring this due to domestic abuse.
We will ensure that refuge services which have to close or cease referrals due to a
pandemic, will continue to be sustained and that service users can be rehoused
safely.
We will brief Housing Staff on how to handle domestic abuse cases sensitively, what
support they should be offered and how to support vulnerable residents in their
move.
We will explore using different methods of communication to ensure that those
experiencing domestic abuse of domestic abuse feel safe to seek support.
5.14 Complaints and Appeals
Aberdeen City Council welcomes complaints and comments, as well as positive
feedback, as these provide information to help us to improve our services. We use a
Complaints Handling Procedure (CHP) developed by the Scottish Public Services
Ombudsman (SPSO) and supported by the Scottish Housing Regulator. The CHP allows
for most complaints to be resolved by front line staff within a five-day limit (first stage).
If the complaint is complex, a detailed investigation will be made by a manager within
a twenty-day limit (second stage).
At the end of the second stage, our response will be made by a director. If the customer
remains dissatisfied, she/he/they may then refer the matter to the SPSO.
At each stage, Aberdeen City Council will advise the customer how the complaint will
be taken forward and which agency is most appropriate to deal with the complaint.
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
Page 115.15 Policy Review
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, Aberdeen City Council will ensure that this
Policy will be reviewed annually to take account of any changes in the following: -
Applicable legislation
Regulations and guidance
Changes in the organisation
Continued best practice.
Review of Local Outcome Improvement Plan
A complete review will be undertaken annually. We will also consult with our tenants
and other housing providers, elected members and third sector organisations in
accordance with our Tenant Participation Strategy.
5.16 Confidentiality and General Data Protection
We recognise the importance of confidentiality to those who experience domestic
abuse. A protocol will be developed which sets out the importance to ensure that any
information or data shared is confidential and how it will be stored and shared between
the partner organisations. We will promote the availability of private interview rooms
and ensuring that those experiencing domestic abuse are not required to disclose the
reason for their visit in public areas or repeat their stories to different members of staff.
6 Definitions
6.1 Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse (as gender-based abuse), can be perpetrated by partners or ex-
partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range
of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate those experiencing
domestic abuse and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and
emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and
other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family or friends). In the
majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
6.2 LGBT Community
The LGBT community (or LGBTQ community or GLBT community), also referred to as
the gay community, is a loosely defined grouping of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.
Page 126.3 Coercive Control
Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse whereby the perpetrator exerts
power over another person. It is a pattern of acts of threats, humiliation and
intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten the person
experiencing domestic abuse. This controlling behaviour is designed to make a person
dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of
independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.
6.4 MARAC
(Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a regular, local, confidential meeting to
discuss how to help those experiencing domestic abuse at high risk of being murdered
or seriously harmed. This is a Police Scotland initiative which brings partners together
to identify and manage circumstances faced by the person experiencing domestic
abuse, perpetrator, and their children, and share information.
6.5 Safe and Together Principles
The Safe and Together principles have been designed to create better outcomes for
children and families exposed to domestic abuse perpetrator’s behaviour. The three
principles include:
1. Keeping child Safe and Together with the non-offending parent.
2. Partnering with non-offending parent as default.
3. Intervening with perpetrator to reduce risk and harm to child.
7 Risk
Risk Low (L), Mitigation
Medium
(M), High
(H)
Strategic That we do not take action L Having a clearly defined policy
to tackle domestic abuse in together with detailed and
all its forms. robust procedures and
processes will help staff to
identify case off domestic
abuse and provide appropriate
help and support.
Compliance That we are not compliant L The new policy clearly outlines
with legislation and the agreed principles through
guidance which could open which all Aberdeen City Council
the council up to litigation domestic abuse incidents will
and intervention by the be dealt with. It is also
Page 13Scottish Housing Regulator compliant with current
and other bodies. legislation guidance.
Operational That the way we deal with M This policy will ensure our staff
incidents of domestic provide a consistent and robust
abuse is inconsistent and approach in dealing with
ineffective. incidents of domestic abuse.
Financial That we are not consistent L The policy ensures as far as
or robust in managing our possible that a consistent and
housing stock. robust approach is taken to
managing all forms of Domestic
Abuse.
Reputational Inconsistent decision L Clearly setting out the policy
making on individual cases principles, procedures, and
due to the lack of a clear actions on how we deal with
policy could lead to incidents of domestic abuse
reputational damage to will help to eradicate this risk.
the Council.
8 Policy Performance
8.1 The factors that will determine whether the policy is effective will be an increase in
disclosing of domestic abuse, with successful support and interventions for those
experiencing domestic abuse of domestic abuse.
8.2 The criteria/indicators that will be used to monitor and demonstrate performance are
set out as follows: -
The ongoing responsibility for the operation of this Policy lies with the Director of
Customer Service and the Chief Officer Early Intervention and Community
Empowerment. All relevant employees have a responsibility to ensure that this Policy
is applied as instructed. We will develop a performance management framework to
monitor the effectiveness of this and other policies aimed at reducing domestic abuse.
We will monitor the following indicators: -
Numbers of reports of domestic abuse
Letting area incident occurred
Gender of the perpetrator/person experiencing domestic abuse
Ethnic Groups
Disabilities
Relationship dynamics/sexuality of perpetrator/person experiencing domestic
abuse
Case Outcomes
We will also gather and monitor data against the nine Protected characteristics: -
Age
Page 14 Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion and belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
8.3 Performance data will be reported annually to the Operational Delivery Committee.
9 Design and Delivery
9.1 Local Outcome Improvement Plan
The Local Outcome Improvement Plan also has aims and targets linked to domestic
abuse.
Aim
1. Reduce the number of children who are witness to Domestic Abuse by 2022
Key Improvement Measures
1. Number of Health Visitor enquiries that indicate domestic abuse in the home.
2. Number of domestic abuse reports with children regarded as present.
Aim
1. Increase awareness of domestic abuse by 2021.
2. Reduce number of children who are witness to domestic abuse by 2022.
3. Decrease number of reported incidents by 30% by 2026.
Key Improvement Measures
1. Number of awareness raising events tackling domestic abuse across Aberdeen City.
2. Percentage of secondary schools with mentors with violence prevention scheme in
place
3. Number of reported Domestic abuse incidents.
9.2 Design Principles of Target Operating Model
Customer Service Design - The activities undertaken to date and the planned next.
steps promote an understanding of the circumstances of Domestic Abuse on those who
experience it and to ensure that personalised support is available to them.
Organisational Design - Improved use of resource in the system.
Page 15Governance - Overseen by Director of Customer Service, Chief Officer Early
Intervention and Community Empowerment and the Operational Delivery Committee.
Workforce - Clarity of expectations and statutory duties.
Process Design - Monitoring arrangements will ensure that any weaknesses in the
policy are quickly addressed.
Technology - The policy will include improvement in the use of technology to deliver
the most effective service and makes use of wider partnership support when
appropriate.
Partnerships and Alliances - Significant partnership work is key to addressing the
needs of those affected by domestic abuse and are committed to building on existing
relationships.
9.3 The policy design and fonts adhere to the Corporate design template.
10 Housekeeping and Maintenance
10.1 The policy should be reviewed on an annual basis or earlier if any legislative, guidance
or operational issues arise.
10.2 New supporting documentation and procedures will be drafted to reflect and support
this policy. This may include performance management reports and the Northgate
housing management system.
11 Communication and Distribution
11.1 The current policy and any appropriate changes are consulted upon with service uses,
staff and elected members and other stakeholders. Final changes may be reported to
committee where appropriate and updated policy documents are placed on our
website. If applicants request it, we can provide the document in other formats such
as different languages or fonts.
12 Information Management
12.1 The information gathered is stored on our housing management system Northgate. The
information is shared with housing staff who are required to make comments and
approve a course of action in relation to the Domestic Abuse Case.
Page 16Appendix 1
Legal Framework
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.
Human Rights Act 1998.
Data Protection Act 2018.
Equality Act 2010.
Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection (Scotland) Act 1981.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2001
Appendix 2
Important Contact Details
Marischal College Customer Service Centre
Marischal College Ground Floor
Broad Street
Aberdeen AB10 1AB
Mastrick Customer Access Point
Spey Road
Aberdeen AB16 6SH
Woodside Fountain Centre
Marquis Road
Aberdeen AB24 2QY
Tillydrone Community Campus
Hayton Road
Aberdeen AB24 2UY
Grampian Women’s Aid
The Gatehouse
Quarry Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5UU
Tel 01224-593381
http://grampian-womens-aid.com
Page 17Citizens Advice Bureau
41 Union Street
Aberdeen AB11 5BN
Tel 01224-569750
https://www.aberdeencab.org.uk/
Aberdeen Cyrenians - Ending Violence and Abuse Aberdeen (EVAA) Service
Archibald Simpson House
27-29 King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 5AA
Tel.: 0300 303 0903 (option 4)
Email: evaa@weareac.org
Website: https://www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org
Advocacy Service Aberdeen
Aberdeen Business Centre
Willowbank Road
Aberdeen
AB11 6YG
Tel 01224 332397
Police Scotland
North East of Scotland Divisional Headquarters
Queen Street
Aberdeen AB10 1ZA
Tel emergency call 999/Non-emergencies call 101
NHS Grampian
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Foresterhill, Aberdeen,
AB25 2ZN
Tel: 0345 456 6000
Urgent Medical Advice Evenings, Weekends or Holidays
Call 111 or for serious accidents and emergencies call 999
The Adult Duty Social Work Team
0800 7315520 between 8.30am and 5pm.
Out of hours social work can be contacted between 5pm-8.30am on the same number.
Duty@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
24hours- 0800 0271234
Shakti Women’s Aid
0131 475 2399
There is no office in Aberdeen. They provide specialist advice/support for BME women, children,
and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-
partner, and/ or other members of the household.
Page 18Homelessness Helpline
0800 917 6379 (24 hours).
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. An emergency service operates from 5pm to 8.30am
Monday to Friday. During weekends and public holidays, we provide a 24 hour service.
Translation Service
InterTrans
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/people-and-communities/equality-and-
diversity/translation-interpreting-and-communication-support
Duty Social Work Team
0800 7315 520
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
This is a freephone number
Postal address
Adult Social Work Duty Team
Aberdeen City Council
Business Hub 3
Ground Floor South
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
duty@aberdeencity.gov.uk
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